Elkton, MD — In this edition of Horse Highlight, Post Time with Mike and Mike team up with New Vocations to feature Jimmer. This handsome 10-year-old by Equinox Bi has a way of getting everyone’s attention when they walk into the barn.

“It must be his unique look that makes people notice him, he leaves an impression on everyone,” said Jimmer’s former trainer, Jessica Roegner.

Jimmer is at the Western New York facility and is up for adoption. Shelley Johnson photo.

Jimmer gave it his all every time he stepped foot on the race track, and when he just wasn’t himself anymore, Roegner decided it was time for Jimmer to retire.

Jimmer had 117 starts during his racing career, with 22 trips to the winner’s circle and a bankroll of $172,645.

“In 2015, the year we got him, he won multiple open races in New York. He set his lifetime mark of 1:54.1 before he injured his leg,” said Roegner. “He was always fun to watch race because he never really got started until the half. He was one that would come charging hard late.

“I’ve never been around a horse that has a more down to earth personality than Jimmer. He is a people’s horse who everyone seems to love. His previous owner, Sally Corlew, has always kept in touch with me on how he is doing. Even the fellow that delivered grain to us in New York still asks about him a year after we moved to Ohio.”

This well behaved bay gelding is so gentle that both the young and the old are able to take care of him, and when it came to having someone on his back it was like he was an old pro.

“While having time off he was at my mom’s farm and we had my niece, Anna, get on him,” said Roegner. “He didn’t even move a muscle. He acted as if he’d been riding for years. He is always so eager to please.”

I have taken care of Jimmer a couple of times while he was racing at Northfield Park in Ohio and I fell in love with him the minute I laid my eyes on him. He was so sweet and gentle, he was like a giant puppy. He did this thing when you walked him, he would move his head back and forth almost like he was nodding yes to you. It was so funny. He never did a thing wrong, hands down one of my favorites to take care of. After the race, it’s like he knew it was time for his treats.

“He loves food, he will literally eat anything. I haven’t found a treat he won’t eat,” Roegner said.

I always kept up with him when he raced and would often ask Jessica how he was doing. When she told me he was going to New Vocations I couldn’t have been happier for him and this next step in his life.

“For a trotter, Jimmer is exceptionally quiet,” stated New Vocations Standardbred Program Director, Winnie Nemeth. “He was broke to ride in a matter of minutes and by the end of his first ride, Courtney Labarbera, our trainer, was able to stand up on his back with no hands. Jimmer is kind and so willing. In just a short time he is already a favorite in the barn.”

Jimmer is at the Western New York facility and is up for adoption. For more information check out the New Vocations website at www.newvocations.org and view all of the amazing athletes they have up for adoption. Remember, make your next horse an ex-racehorse.